Vol. 476 No. 4
16 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for the Marine if he intends to introduce an appeals system for fishing vessel licensing in view of the fact that there is to be a licensing appeals board for aquaculture licensing in order that equity and justice are not only done but seen to be done; and if not, the reason therefore. [7160/97]
Fishing vessel licensing is governed by pre-set policy criteria and is not strictly analogous with the aquaculture industry where there is an obvious linkage with the norms and procedures in planning law generally. Accordingly, I have no plans to introduce a separate independent appeals system for fishing vessel licensing. The services of the Ombudsman's office are available to any person who considers that a fishing vessel licence application has not been dealt with fairly or reasonably.
